2016 Cars That Are Almost Self-Driving

Get Behind the Wheel of a Self-Driving Car

Self-driving cars are upon us. No, you didn’t fall asleep and wake up to roads full of completely autonomous vehicles. But quietly, more new cars are coming with semi-autonomous functions, meaning they can take over in various emergency situations, or even drive themselves for certain periods of time.

The latest crop of cars combines existing safety features with semi-autonomous functions to make you feel like you can kick back for at least parts of the trip! But first you have to understand

3. Limited Self-Driving Automation: For periods of time can be completely self-driving with some driver intervention. In specific driving scenarios, like on a highway or well-marked road, the car can drive itself, and provide adequate transition time for the driver to take control. (Think, Google Car)

4. Full Self-Driving Automation: Driver doesn’t have to do anything but enter the destination.

We’re obviously far from Level 4, but Level 3 is just around the corner, and in some cases is almost here. But the line between that and the Level 2 car is thin, and many new cars boast almost-autonomous features. Here are ten cars that push the limits of automotive technology and are bringing us closer to a fully self

2016 Tesla Model S (with Auto-Pilot w/ AutoSteer)

You might be surprised by some of the other vehicles on this list, but not the Tesla Model S. As the media darling, the Model S Autopilot system has been covered ad nauseam, but with good reason.

Tesla’s Autopilot system can cruise down the highway in its lane and even change lanes (the driver just has to signal the lane change). AutoSteer can keep the Model S in a lane and the vehicle can also park on its own.

2016 BMW 7 Series

BMW has long been the “driver’s choice” among luxury sedan, offering taut performance along with comfort. But BMW’s latest 7 Series can partially take the driver out of the equation with its suite of high tech safety features.

Automatic lane keeping assist combined with semi-autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic pre-collision braking work together to keep the 7 Series in its lane and at a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of it.

Though it’s not a self-driving feature, the 7 Series is available with a remote parking system that lets you park the vehicle automatically from the key fob. These features help it earn a terrific Critics’ Score in U.S. News scores.

2016 Infiniti Q50s

The Q50 started turning heads with its direct adaptive steering (essentially drive-by-wire), but it joins this list with a suite of safety technologies including lane departure prevention and active lane control. A camera watches the lane, and if you veer out it will warn you, and eventually nudge the driver back on course.

The Q50 also has predictive forward collision warning. In addition to detecting stopped vehicles directly in front, it can also detect a vehicle stopped in front of that one–preventing the infamous chain-reaction crash.

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is the height of full-size sedan luxury, scoring first among Super Luxury Sedans in U.S. News rankings, but Mercedes-Benz has also been making a name for itself with driver aiding technologies.

The S-Class comes standard with forward collision warning and Pre-Safe takes this to the next level with autonomous braking. This system is combined with Distronic Plus to keep the S-Class centered in the lane, and active lane keeping assist can determine if the lane lines are broken and sense oncoming vehicles to avoid a collision. Attention Assist helps to wake you up if you’re getting drowsy.

2016 Volvo XC90

The new Volvo XC90 is a revelation, both from a design standpoint and the technology beneath its beautiful sheet metal. The highest category in the XC90’s scorecard is its safety, and with good reason.

The XC90 features Pilot Assist, which maintains a safe distance from vehicles in front of you. Run-off Road Mitigation is not a feature that prevents you from going four-wheeling – it keeps you from veering out of your lane. It works day or night at speeds ranging from 40 mph up to 86 mph.

2016 Lexus LS

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Lexus LS. From the supremely comfortable seats to the silky smooth ride quality, the LS is a smooth operator. With semi-autonomous features, the LS finds new ways to deliver that comfort.

The LS is available with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. When combined with the dynamic cruise control and lane-keeping assist, it makes for a vehicle that delivers impressive safety tech that can see danger even before you do.

2016 Audi A7

The A7 is a thrilling driver’s car, but one that makes compromises. It has great handling and a powerful engine lineup, but also has tons of cargo space for the class, coming second overall only to the Tesla Model S in U.S. News luxury large car rankings.

Audi’s A7 is available with Pre Sense Plus, a system that uses sensors and cameras to determine if a collision is imminent and warns the driver. It can also take over and autonomously brake for the driver. This system is combined with the adaptive cruise control and Active Lane Assist to keep you in your lane and at your desired speed. You can’t take your hands off the wheel, but it’s watching when you space out.